2021 is a year of transition. The adage I hear is the “next normal.” This year, however, I’m finding it most helpful to think in terms of the “new now.” We’re putting our focus on shaping the future and turning away from the grinding, relentless urgency that was 2020.
No 1: Transition your mindset.
The posture for this year is one of a ready-state, like a tennis player or track athlete: knees bent, feet on the ground, eyes ahead, body both taught and loose. Coming off of the heels of 2020, the leader’s challenge now is to recognize this is a transitional year.
No 2: Listen and coach.
Don’t just simply lead. Listening is kindness in action. In reflecting on my own twisty, turny path I realized that the folks who helped me had a coaching mindset. They were curious. They were generous with feedback. Ultimately, they cared about the relationship, not just the results.
Nonprofit leaders who adopt a coaching mindset focus on helping people unlock their potential. That pays dividends far beyond simply getting the job done.
Ask Yourself:
Necessity is indeed the mother of invention.
Plato was right. Disruption creates space for new thinking. Take a step back. Reflect on the past 12 months. What are the hard-won lessons learned? How can your experience help you peer into the future to deliver value and shape what’s next for your organization, your cause, and your constituents?
Plato was right. Disruption creates space for new thinking. Take a step back. Reflect on the past 12 months. What are the hard-won lessons learned? How can your experience help you peer into the future to deliver value and shape what’s next for your organization, your cause, and your constituents?
